  | Revenge of the Star Survivors Author: Merschel, Michael | |
| Price: $22.56 | ||
Summary:
When his family relocates to a new town, sci-fi enthusiast Clark Sherman uses his encyclopedic knowledge of the hit TV show, Star Survivors, to both endure and battle the evils he encounters in his terrifying new middle school.
Download a Teacher's Guide
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 5.30 Points: 11.0 Quiz: 189826 | Reading Counts Information: Interest Level: 6-8 Reading Level: 4.40 Points: 19.0 Quiz: 75821 | |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (03/01/17)
School Library Journal (03/01/17)
Booklist (04/01/17)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/04/17)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 03/01/2017 Gr 5–7—Clark has crash-landed on a hostile alien world. In other words, the eighth grader has transferred to a new school halfway through the year. With no friends, no transcript (he's assigned to remedial classes), and a reluctance to ask for adult help, Clark relies on his favorite TV show, Star Survivors, for spiritual and social guidance. Quotes from his favorite character, Captain Maxim, open every chapter—or, rather, every Expedition Log—of this epistolary novel. Unfortunately for Clark, he's targeted by two bullies: baseball prodigy Ty and Principal Denton. Clark does manage to find kindred spirits—Les, a tech nerd, and social misfit Ricki—but their "keep out of sight" coping strategy leaves Clark vulnerable at school. His physical and mental torment at the hands of Ty and Denton is extreme enough for some readers to wish Clark would ask for help (caring adults are present), but many will likely relate to the boy's desire to handle problems on his own. This character strength makes Clark's surprising decision in the novel's climax ring true. Minor quibbles: Denton's motives regarding Ty strain credulity, and recurring mockery of Clark's name feels out of place in the contemporary setting. However, these issues do not diminish debut novelist Merschel's skill in creating characters who are simultaneously recognizable and original. VERDICT Quick pacing and wry wit give this title appeal beyond the sci-fi universe. Recommended for most middle school collections.—Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 04/01/2017 Having landed on a new, inhospitable world, Clark strives to integrate with the local species. It does not go well. He is immediately targeted by bullies and assigned to low-level classes, thanks to a bureaucratic mistake. Navigating Festus Middle School will require all the knowledge he has gained by watching episodes of Star Survivors (think Star Trek). He meets a sympathetic librarian and two possible allies, though both enforce complicated, confusing rules around their friendships. Hidden passageways, underground tunnels, a draconian principal, secret plots, and family drama blend into an unlikely but amusing story of misfits banding together. The story starts off strong, with Clark’s sci-fi obsession providing a fresh take on the classic story of the new kid at school. The subplot of the principal’s vendetta against the brave librarian devolves into moralism and feels unnecessary, but despite a few bumps, the overall result is a fun twist on the theme of kids who take on the power structure and prevail. A promising first novel suited for larger collections. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.
